Thursday Musings (11/29/18)

Did you know that over the last 9 years (as far back as my data goes) that the only statistic the DIII national champion has had in common is that they must finish in the Top 10 11 of Team Hitting Percentage! That’s right, this year Emory has blown a hole in my hitting percentage……

Playing a New England Schedule

I know what you are thinking. It’s the offseason so it’s time for me to take shots at the New England Region. I can’t argue the logic although it’s really a year-round activity for me. With that said, that’s not what this post is about. I come to praise the New England Region, not to……

Case Study – 2018 Selections

Last year I did a number of case studies into the NCAA selection process and I’ve already done one deep dive into the West RAC’s decision to rank La Verne over UT-Dallas. I want to use this post to look at the other decisions that raised an eyebrow from me. As I went through the……

Emory – 2018 NCAA DIII Champions

I like to continue what I started last year (when it makes sense) and, like last year, I think it’s proper to pay respects to the champion. But, first… …So, when the NCAA decides NOT to select at least 8 West Region teams to their regional (for the second time in three years), it starts……

Championship! (11/17/18)

Update: Digital Championship Program Ricky’s Championship Guide So…I won’t be watching this one. My daughter got engaged and we’re having a party tonight. Live Stats will be rolling for me and I hope to watch the end on my phone. Use the links in the link below. Congratulations to Emory! This is their 2nd national……

Semifinals! (11/16/18)

Update: Digital Championship Program Ricky’s Championship Guide The ability to block everything out while playing during championship weekend and to dance during a timeout huddle is really cool to me. Every team seems to do this. Second challenge already and we are still in the first set. This one goes against the officials! I missed……

Quarterfinals! (11/15/18)

Update: Digital Championship Program Ricky’s Championship Guide Just like we all thought. Aurora up 17-10 in the first set. Challenge! First time in DIII!!!!! Calvin challenges an out call but the call stands. Works as a timeout and Calvin comes out strong despite losing the challenge. Calvin comes back to win set 1 25-23. It’s……

West RAC’s Biggest Mistake

I’ve looked at the La Verne / UT-Dallas comparison more times than I want to admit but I decided to do it one more (last) time. The decisions are done as our the selections as our the West Region’s chances at a championship but it’s important to learn from our mistakes (if one was made).……

NCAA Selection Odds & Ends

Things happy fast following selection and, in my case, throw in an in-law move and there isn’t a lot of time to reflect on what just occurred prior to the Regionals starting. I will look at some of the decisions in depth but this post is really to hit on some things I found interesting……

AVCA All-Americans (2018)

The AVCA All-American teams have been announced, which you can find here. The AVCA Freshman of the year is Emily Mohs of Thomas More. The player of the year will be announced tomorrow at the championship banquet. The West Region had only one student-athlete make the first team and that was Phoebe Madsen of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.……